The upside for the Rays is that they could get a really strong player for a relatively modest price. Kim struggled at the plate in 2021, his first season after coming over from Korea, but has been above average in each of the three seasons since then.

The infielder lands a two-year contract in his first foray into domestic free agency, but won't debut until May.

The Tampa Bay Rays made a bold move Wednesday to improve their lineup, striking a two-year, $29 million deal with Korean infielder Ha-Seong Kim. The 29-year-old is recovering from right shoulder surgery and is expected to be ready sometime in May.